Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with these Maple Bacon Donuts, a treat that combines the richness of maple syrup with the smoky allure of crispy bacon. This recipe brings together the classic comfort of donuts with the modern twist of bacon, creating a culinary experience that is both nostalgic and innovative. The maple glaze adds a velvety smoothness, while the crumbled bacon provides a satisfying crunch, making these donuts perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a unique dessert.
Ingredients
–
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup bacon grease (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon butter (at room temperature)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- For the Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two donut pans with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Bacon: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes, flipping as needed, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let the bacon grease cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled bacon grease and butter until smooth. Add the brown sugar and whisk until combined. Then, add the sour cream, maple syrup, and egg. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until very smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until combined.
- Fill the Donut Pans: Fill each donut pan cavity about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Donuts: Remove donuts from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and Top the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts in the maple glaze and top with crumbled bacon.
Top Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid dense donuts.
- Reserve Bacon Grease: Save the bacon grease for added flavor in the donuts.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze.
- Bacon Quality Matters: Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for variety.
Variations
- Chocolate Maple Bacon Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the donuts before baking for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Bourbon Maple Glaze: Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the maple glaze for a sophisticated twist.
- Pecan Maple Bacon Donuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the donuts before glazing for added crunch.
- Fried Donuts: Instead of baking, fry the donuts in hot oil for a crispy exterior.
Nutritional Guide
Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|
6-8 | 250-350 | 12-15g | 30-40g | 4-5g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: These donuts are rich in carbohydrates and fat due to the maple syrup and bacon. However, they also contain protein from the egg and sour cream. To make them healthier, consider using less sugar or adding more protein-rich ingredients. Always check the ingredient quantities based on the number of servings you plan to make.